Fear Is Not the Boss of You: How to Get Out of Your Head and Live the Life You Were Made For

by Jennifer Allwood

YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR DESTINY ARE TOO IMPORTANT. DISCOVER HOW TO GET UNSTUCK AND OVER YOUR FEAR. This book is for any woman who has ever been overwhelmed with indecision, paralyzed with fear, or just plain stuck. With no-nonsense biblical truth, Fear Is Not the Boss of You is a loving kick in the backside that will catapult you into ACTION. Successful entrepreneur, business coach, and girl next door Jennifer Allwood is your guide to show you why you can't stay stuck, teaching you how to get out of your own way and get on the road to fulfilling the life of your dreams--even if you're afraid. Whether you're thinking of launching a new business, adopting a child, writing a book, or competing in a triathlon, Jennifer will motivate you to move from paralyzing fear into courageous obedience and action. With stories, straightforward truth, and practical tips you can apply today, Jennifer will show you how This is your gutsy invitation to go after the big dream God has called you to . . . because fear is not the boss of you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Business, Audiobook, Personal Growth, Christian Living

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

Jennifer Allwood was like many people 14 years ago when she was stuck at an office job that she hated. Her heart was in the design world and in making her home beautiful, but she did not think she could make a living outside of her cubicle. Jennifer became a creative entrepreneur when she started a faux-painting business on nights and weekends while she continued to waste away at her day job. Shortly after registering "The Magic Brush, Inc." as an "official" business, she was laid off from that desk job that she hated and decided gamble on decorative painting as a full time job. Since then, she has employed up to 8 women on painting jobs at any given time, painted in hundreds of homes including 3 houses for the ABC hit show, "Extreme Home Makeover". She has been featured on local and national television as well as on radio and magazines. Jennifer speaks at home shows, schools and churches while continuing to manage her business from home and raising her 3 children.

In 2013 she launched an online DIY section to her business teaching people how to faux paint in their own homes and how to begin/expand their own small businesses as well. Through the journey of her business thriving and evolving, Jennifer has often found herself relying on her Christian faith. It has gotten her through countless days of being a small business owner and mompreneur. While wishing one day for a devotional of prayers for creative entrepreneurs, Jennifer found herself being prompted to write that devotional herself. Her first e-book is a pseudo diary of being a small business owner while serving the Lord.

Jennifer resides in Kansas City with her number one cheerleader, her husband Jason and their 3 wild children.

Reviews

[Rhiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been struggling to write this review (something I don’t usually struggle with) because it’s difficult for me to find the right words. I want to be able to express how truly good this book is, but the words I’m finding seem to understate it.

I first found Jennifer Allwood through my subscription to a business coaching box called Sparkle Hustle Grow. I listened to one of her podcasts and I was immediately hooked. Her mix of no-nonsense advice mixed with a heavy dose of loving prayers is just what I need when I’m down on myself and feeling like a failure.

I was so excited to be invited to become a part of her Fear is Not the Boss of You Launch team. I was blessed with a preview copy of her book in digital format and I, of course, ordered the Hardback copy that came out mid-April. I just received my copy and read it all over again from cover to cover!

Although Jennifer’s main gig is a business coach to creative entrepreneurs (check out her Creators Inner Circle) her book appeals to the masses. Everyone has fears that keep them down, whether you’re afraid to go back to school or start a business or just pick a color to paint the bathroom, fear keeps us stuck and trapped in limbo. Jennifer stresses the ways that you can get unstuck and move ahead despite your fears. I love the fact that Jennifer doesn’t preach at you to remove fear or get over the fear or not to have fear, she tells you how to go forward right past your fears.

I don’t want to say too much more, because I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if you’re a person in need of a pick me up, especially during this time of turmoil, I urge you to pick this book up and dive in!

[T.I. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a full-time mom of two exceptional teenage humans and an author of 16 novels, I look pretty successful on paper, but inside… Oh boy. I’ve somehow ended up stuck in a hesitant season of life where I question everything. The what-ifs. The am I good enough inquiries. Honestly, I’m sick of my own self and have begged God to guide me out of my stuck-ness.
I’ve grown even more desperate lately, and God answered by sending me encouragement through a book with a spunky blonde on the cover. This is not an ear-tickling self-help book. It’s a tell-it-like-it-is conversation with so many lessons that I am going back to chapter one after finishing the book today.
John 10:10 is my life verse. Jesus came so that I could live an abundant life. Allwood quotes this in chapter 18, reaffirming that I need to quit allowing fear to rob me of this promise. To live that verse instead of wishing I were. To scrap the wishing altogether and start doing. To be more obedient to God’s calling and stop letting fear boss me around.
No matter your dream and the hesitance holding you back from it, this book is the divine tool to encourage you to get on with it!

[SaraEmma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every.Women.Needs.To.Read.This.Book. 🔥🔥🔥

[Natalie Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordered this book in Kindle format, but then had to order a hardcover. Deserved a second read with highlights and notes in the margin. For me, such an eye-opener and achingly hit home in so many ways. Wife, sister, mom, aunt, grandma-the struggle is real and you are not alone. God is on your side. Like Jennifer says, "It's time to get unstuck, out of your head, and living the life you are meant to." A powerful book and perfect timing in these scary times of self isolation. Do something for yourself right now. Read this book.

[Amanda M. Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Every woman should read this. Especially if you are struggling to accept that God is nudging you into unknown territory!

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I got to Chapter 9 and she started talking about how she couldn’t write this book without God, and how if you weren’t a believer, God would win your heart anyways, and I had enough. She’s been very vocal throughout the book about her faith, and that’s very nice, but it got to be so in-your-face that I couldn’t hear the rest of her message.

Catchy title, but non-Christians beware.

[Cathy Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!! Jennifer Allwood at her best!!

[Toya · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written

I picked this book up at just the right time and it has helped and allowed me to see me. See the me I am and who I want to be. I will not remain stagnant because there’s so much work to be done. Thanks Jennifer Allwood for answering the call and taking us on the journey to freedom with you.

[Melissa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book about getting unstuck so you can live a life full of greatness!

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOM! EXCELLENT read by Jennifer Allwood. She has been there and she GETS it! This book was life changing for me. Especially significant for the times we live in right now. A MUST read!

[Christine Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

My business coach had us listen to this as an audiobook and I'm blown away at how applicable it was to what I needed in my life right now. I even have on my wall a affirmation saying "You are capable of standing in your glory and greatness." I know I needed to hear the messages in "Fear is not the boss of you" so that I can stand in that glory and greatness. I tend to have way too many books I'm trying to read at once, so it was nice to just listen to a book and finally finish one. It was very motivating, funny and encouraging, with a little bit of tough love.
Here are some of my incredible takeaways.
- "Overwhelmed people are so fearful of making the wrong decision that they will make no decision... No decision is definitely a decision."
- "Fear will make you settle for less than you deserve."
- "Even though it's not your fault it is your responsibility." Referencing tough situations you're placed in and that it's your responsibility to move out of them.
- "Unforgiveness and bitterness will keep you stuck every single time. They are like hands wrapped around your spiritual neck. they will choke the life out of you and everything you set your hand to... That's not God's best for you."
- "Responsibility makes you think of others." She was talking about how our world is so self focused that the fear of what everyone else is thinking about you can get in the way of you actually fulfilling your responsibilities to yourself and to others.
- "The God of the universe is wildly interested in your life." I breathed a sigh of joy and relief when I heard that.
- "If I give myself too long to think about things, I can talk myself out of about anything." This is when fear turns into analysis paralysis
- "Changing your mind is the first step to changing your life."
- "My why > My fear" Translated this means my why is greater than my fear. My reason for doing something is more important to me than being afraid.

[Kelly Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you feeling stuck in a dead end job? Overwhelmed by things happening in your personal life, career, or what's happening in the world? Things that are beyond your control and weighing you down? Maybe, you overthink and over analyze opportunities. I mean, it's important, to weigh all the pros and cons of something before we do it, right? Plus, there's safety and comfort in doing what you already know how to do. But Jennifer asks the question, "what would happen if you didn't THINK, but just DID?"

Business coach, mentor, and entrepreneur Jennifer Allwood asks everyone who reads this book to think about WHY they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or scared. "... it's hard to leave a place you are stuck in emotionally or physically or spiritually if you have no idea where you are going to." (page 19). But in the caring, best friend kind of way, Jennifer gives hope and encouragement that there is more to life for us all. That we can have hope in our future.

Jennifer is such an authentic person. She connects with people in a very real way on Instagram, Facebook, her podcasts, and now, this wonderfully written, honest book. It's serious and thoughtful with dashes of laughter and "Jenn-isms" as well as anecdotes that we can all relate too. Jennifer is such a delight and encouragement to creatives, small business owners, and everyday people. Her honesty and love for helping others really shines throughout this book. You'll immediately connect with her, friend, and she'll help you make the changes you've been needing and wanting to make, but just weren't sure where to start.

[RaeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been working on getting off the stuck train for awhile now. In the last few months, God has been highlighting areas in my heart where I have sadness, and bitterness, and resentment. I have been learning about how to feel those emotions and then let them go, so I can have peace and my body can have relief. I have been asking a lot of HOW questions. That I have a desire to let all these things go, but I am not sure how. This book comes at just the right time to empower me and challenge where I am still holding onto limiting beliefs. I am beginning to understand that even if the worst thing I can imagine happens, it won't kill me. I need to stop letting my fear hold me back. Jen is the kind, yet sassy, older sister that gives compassion, owns her own mistakes, and refuses to let you stay where you are. She's got tough love down to a science, peppered with some humor to keep you from shutting down.

If you don't want to change, then don't read this book. But if you're stuck, and you don't want to be, and your open to doing things differently, then I hope you will give this a read. Everyone needs to feel like someone is on their side. Jen will assure you that your fears are actually pretty common and we serve a God who walks along side of us and wants more for us than the life we're settling for. You're not alone and there is a way out. I am looking my fear in the face, and choosing to say YES anyway. Thank you for the encouragement Jen Allwood!

[Karen Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like having a "get off your ass" convo with a girlfriend

Jennifer talks openly about her own imperfections and faults to let you know that just because she's done "big" things in the eyes of the world, does not mean she has it together. We all have our own baggage and stuff, but none of it is a reason to stay stuck and waiting for someone or something to rescue us. We, ourselves, me, you, with God's direction and leading, are how we will move onward and upward. At some point, it requires action. Our own action. I'm a planner, and over thinker from way back. But there comes a time when we just need to take a step forward. Stop all the considering and planning and take. One. Step. Forward. I have a quote i like that is an underlying lesson in this book - I don't need to have all the answers, I just need to take the first step. Love this book, read it in about 3 weeks (which is major for me bc even tho I read fast, I'm frequently busy with other things, I forget or I start to fall asleep when reading). I want to gift this book for all my close friends. Absolutely recommend this! Shout out to Jason, Jennifer's husband, for making her go to a hotel to finish this book! Thank you!!

[Leah Mandujano · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a Christian and her book is very much centered around her faith. She helps many women and has wonderful content to help businesses go to the next level. However, this book was not for me. There was a lot of shame based wording centered around her faith. She uses the words, conviction, hypocrisy, and repentance to describe some situations. For instance, her daughter shames her for licking the brownie bowl and J considers it hypocritical of her to say she’s eating healthy in front of her kids yet lick the bowl. I didn’t agree with her shaming herself. She also mentions much about ignoring your feelings and doing it anyway. I understand she’s talking about overcoming fear and doing it anyway. I get it. However, your feelings are given to you for a reason. Shouldn’t we ask why we’re feeling the way we’re feeling to get to the root of it? Very much not a professional on overcoming fear. I simply have theological differences. The book is more about her experiences than it is about overcoming fear. It has some sweet themes. My favorite was reminding women to make themselves a priority.

[bookwyrmemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately appealed to me because the author, Jennifer Allwood, is a coach who helps entrepreneurs—something that resonates with me, as I work in a similar field assisting women small business owners and entrepreneurs. However, what makes this book truly impactful is that it isn’t just for entrepreneurs; it’s for everyone. Fear is something we all experience, whether it’s starting a business, going back to school, or even making a simple decision like choosing a paint color. Fear can keep us stuck, hesitant, and trapped in limbo, but Jennifer provides practical guidance on how to move forward despite it.

What I appreciate most about this book is Jennifer’s approach. She doesn’t preach about eliminating fear or tell you to simply "get over it." Instead, she acknowledges that fear is a natural part of life and teaches you how to push past it rather than letting it hold you back. Her strategies are realistic, encouraging, and applicable to a wide range of situations.

Rated: 4.0/5.0

[Brittany Schuver]

Fear Is Not the Boss of You: How to Get Out of Your Head and Live the Life You Were Made For

Jennifer brings the truth about fear to light and how it holds us back in so many areas of our lives. She brings tough love and prayers into your world in this book and does so in ways that will have you in tears, in laughs, and will bring you to your knees as you pray to be blessed by the words she speaks over you. If you are ready to face your fears that hold you back in EVERY area of your life, pick this one up and read it over and over again until you find you are ready to break through the barriers fear has held you in for so long!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book. It was extremely enjoyable to read a book that sounds just like how Jennifer talks. It was en pointe with how she speaks to her IG and FB followers, her Inner Circle, and her podcasts.
If it had been any different it wouldn’t have been Jennifer and many of us would have been able to tell.
I could hear her voice reading each word on the page. She writes like she talks.
And the flow of the book was seamless. Each topic and chapter built onto the next as though I had asked her a question and I was getting the answer... only in a book format.
Reading this book and it completely meeting my expectations, but still teaching me and blowing me away, was very satisfying. #ASMR
Phenomenal.
I loved every minute. And, I am going to have to read it again.

Well done, Jen! Well done!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very impactful and I can see it helping many people become unstuck in their lives. The focus is on the nuances of our mindset that we may be aware exists but have never (or no longer) pay attention to and in doing so our growth is hindered and we remain stuck in the daily grind. The author discusses new perspectives in which to view our life events and to use in our decision making process, and provides many personal experiences both insightful and inspiring.
An easy read in a conversational girlfriend heart to heart style.
There is a Christian viewpoint but I believe the rewards outweigh and are practical to everyone. I personally found it resonating with the law of attraction and the theory of a connected consciousness and transcendence.

[Karen Hardee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I absolutely love this Book!!! I have allowed Fear to stop me so many times in life which paralyzed me from allowing God to use me for his purpose!!! So many missed opportunities because of the Fear of not being Perfect!! It wasn’t till I got older that I started to punch fear in the Face but goodness it still wants to creep in and try to steel what God has placed in me. Jennifer’s book is a game changer I wish I had this book as a teen, or in my 20’s-30’s, however I will take it at 49 and share it with every person I know!! Every Beautiful young lady every lady needs to read this book!!
It’s a must Read for everyone💗

[Laura Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like having a face-to-face conversation with her. You won’t be disappointed.

Straight Talk From The Heart

Much like Jennifer, her book is full of inspiration, life truths, humor, candid conversation and raw emotion.

Within these chapters, she asks many thought provoking questions about the messiness of life. The deeper into the pages I read, the answers became more clear.

After going through a very difficult year, this book could not have come at a better time. Her message of hope has given me a new courage to live the life God has called me to.

Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read. Thanks Jennifer Allwood, for all the words. You are making a difference.

[Rebecca Hirshman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for any Christian female entrepreneur

Jennifer outdid herself in this book. I’m a part of her inner circle coaching group and get to hear her pretty frequently, but never at once for such a long period of time. Wow. She brings her funky, quick witted, Jesus loving A game page after page. It really feels like she’s in your corner rooting for you for the entire book. She shares her triumphs, fears, and letdowns in life to remind us that even highly successful people share the same emotions and fears we do. The only difference is that they go for it anyways, fear and all. We never really stop feeling fear, we just have to go for things despite our fears.

[Molly Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer’s writing is so refreshing and so is this message. There are many “feel good” and “puff you up” books out there right now that don’t challenge you or hold your feet to the fire about getting things done... this is not one of them. Jennifer’s book holds your feet to the fire, challenges you to look past your past / stuck thinking / etc. and gives you the opportunity to move forward into your calling that God has created you for. Loved this book!!

(I received an advance reader copy but all opinions are my own! I truly loved this book.)

[Amanda Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not gotten to the end of this book yet despite my usual veracity to read. This book is so well written and has so many wonderful morsels to be savored I cannot simply push through it as with most other books. Jennifer writes Truth that needs to be heard by all women, especially those who desire more than just struggling to keep from drowning in life’s distractions everyday. This book has given me permission and a course of action in a season of pivot that will lead to incredible amounts of growth!

[Gina Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great and motivational read! Jennifer speaks personally to each woman who is reading the book through the use of her stories and Scripture. God has given Jennifer a gift to be able to use her experiences to speak into the lives of women who currently feel stuck and want to walk in the fullness of their calling. I recommend this book to any woman who is feeling that there is more and is looking for a voice that is both inspiring and Biblically sound. Don’t let fear be the boss of you!

[Terrin Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have sworn Jennifer was speaking directly to me throughout this entire book, a dear friend holding my hand and helping me get my life back on track. She not only motivated me to be a better person she helped me on my path to nurturing my relationship with Christ. I'm so grateful for this book and I recommend it to almost every woman I know/meet! Thank you Jennifer!

I loved this book so much I read it twice! I was in a complete slump and I'm so grateful I have this book to refer back to! Read it as many times as you need to ladies!

[Jeannette Burleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear is Not the Boss of You was written last summer and it is being released at a much needed time! As you read the book, you will feel like Jennifer is right there with you in the room. Each chapter you read you see yourself and your heart is wrecked, but Jennifer gives hope to the reader that they can overcome this thing called Fear and rise up and do great things that will make a positive impact on ourselves, our families, and the world! This is a must read book!

[Danielle Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer heavily intertwines her faith throughout her book, although it is not geared to your exclusively faith-based genre reader. The truths she gives about fear are all spot-on, regardless of where you fall on the spiritual spectrum.
Not touted as a business book, but I would highly suggest it as a "must read" for all the would-be entrepreneur/mom-preneur just starting out. Take it from someone who has done her fair share of fear based mess ups, mindset is critical to success.

[Leslie Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kick in the pants that I’ve needed. It’s so timely. I’ve wondered why I waited so long to read it, and it was definitely God’s timing. This book is one I am gifting all of my clients! It’s something every entrepreneurial mother needs to read. Jennifer brings freedom to her readers from the truth she shares. And not just truth she heard about, truth she’s experienced in real life! I’m grateful for this book!

[Jennifer Sheran · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need a well-meaning kick in the pants

If you need a well-meaning kick in the pants this is a good read. Jennifer Allwood shared how she overcomes fear to follow God and encourages us to do the same. Definitely motivated to get out of my head and start doing. Lots of great quotes. Not a how to, step by step kind of book. More of a friend saying what needs to be said type book. If you like her Podcast, you’ll enjoy this book.